Politics
Lassa Fever: One Outbreak Too Many
L-R: Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammed, Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mr Mike Omeri, Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during a joint Ministerial news conference to give update on the outbreak of Lassa Fever in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday
Lassa fever, otherwise called
Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF), a deadly disease was first diagnosed in 1969 in the town of Lassa in Borno State, Nigeria. Since that discovery, the disease has spread to other West African states such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Central African Republic. Medical experts argue that the re-emergence of this outbreak appears to be spreading faster than the previous ones, and have advised that more effective surveillance and preventive measures should be taken to curb this deadly disease.
Cause
The Lassa virus is a zoonotic disease. It is transmitted from animals and spreads to humans from rodents which are the primary host of the Lassa virus, especially Natal Multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), an animal found in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa popularly known as Rats (i.e animals with a very long mouth and long tail in this part of region).
Lassa Fever or Lassa Hemmorrhagic Fever is a member of Arenaviridae virus family which is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever. The virus is very hard to distinguish from other viral diseases caused by the Lassa virus, especially the Marburg and Ebola as well as such other more common febrile viruses that trigger malaria.
It usually infects people in West Africa, and is estimated to have resulted in 300,000 to 500,000 cases annually over the last few years. In fact, it has caused the death of about 5,000 persons each year. The fever accounts for up to one third of deaths in hospitals within the affected region.
Despite the disease outbreak, rat meat still remains an important source of protein and one of the most enjoyed delicacy by some people in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Yet, it is the carrier of the deadly disease called Lassa fever.
An important message for those that prepare rat meat delicacy, is that there is the need for them to know that infection takes place during the process of finding and preparing the rat for consumption. Experts say that the virus that causes the disease is excreted in urine and could stay for 3-9 weeks or in semen for three months.
This deadly disease has since 1969 been a cause of major deaths in Nigeria. In April, 2012, it caused the death of over 70 persons officially recorded from 19 out of the 36 states in the country. In 2014, the disease claimed 20 lives across the country. Now, the disease has re-emerged, claiming many more lives, and sending others to hospital beds.
With the present outbreak in Nigeria, citizens have been advised to ensure a high level of personal hygiene to avoid being infected by the virus. This means that the people must keep food stocks and environment clean as well as report as soon as possible any symptoms to the nearest healthcare centre or medical facility for early intervention and treatment.
As at the last count, the Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 41 people out of 93 reported cases of Lassa fever outbreak in 10 out of the 36 states in the country. According to the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, the deaths were recorded in Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Oyo and Gombe states.
He said the ministry had ordered for the immediate release of adequate quantities of ‘ribavirin,’ the specific antiviral drug for Lassa fever, to the affected states for immediate treatment of patients. He also directed health facilities in the country to emphasise routine infection prevention and control measures, and ensure that all Lassa fever patients are treated free.
The minister, who said this in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the outbreak of the Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF), also advised citizens to improve on their personal hygiene, which he said includes food hygiene and food protection practices. He further advised people to avoid contact with rodents and rats as well as food contaminated with rat’s urine and excreta by covering all food while avoiding drying food in open spaces and along roadsides.
The Director, National Centre for Disease Control, Prof. Abdulsalam Nasidi, has also confirmed the death of 41 persons, saying that results of tests on some other cases are still being awaited. He described the fatality rate as high, nothing that the deaths so far were largely because the infected persons did not report early to the nearest healthcare centres for treatment. According to Nasidi, “We are still reviewing the preliminary reports. We have sent teams to Taraba State. We are already working on all the samples collected. We even sent some drugs already,” and described the situation as “really terrible.”
Already, the Federal Government has set up a four-man expert committee, headed by Prof Michael Asuzu to visit the most endemic states, such as Kano, Niger and Bauchi. “The committee will embark on a fact-finding mission, assess the current situation, document response experiences, identify gaps and proffer recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences”, the Health Minister, Prof Isaac Adewole, said. He assured that the committee was not to apportion blame but rather to document lessons learnt for better planning of an effective response, explaining that part of the long-term response is to establish an inter-ministerial committee to deliver a final blow on Lassa fever and other related diseases in the country.
Even as the Ministry of Health is working hard to contain the spread of the disease, and prevent further infections, the Senate yesterday, summoned the minister to appear before it to explain further what the government was doing to curb the epidemic, and save Nigeria from the Lassa fever shame.
Here in Rivers State, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Briggs Furo, has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever, corroborating the statement by the state Commissioner for Health, Theophilus Ndagme that two persons have died as a result of the infection of Lassa virus in Rivers State.
Following that confirmation, the state Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has called on residents of the state to maintain a high level of hygiene to check new cases and spread of the disease in the state. She charged the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications, to embark on sensitization and enlightenment programmes to ensure that residents of the state are better prepared to battle the spread of the disease.
Indeed, there is no reason why residents of the state should not key into the appeal of the Chief Nyesom Wike-led Rivers State Government to exhibit high level of hygiene habits and be cautious of what they eat to avoid being caught in the web of the Lassa fever net. This same appeal goes to all Nigerians, especially those in states where some persons have already died as a result of the epidemic. Every Nigerian must exercise high level of caution in this matter.
Mode of Transmission
A fact sheet of the World Health Organisation (WHO), also says that: “Person-to-person transmission occurs through direct contact with the sick person. Laboratory transmission occurs as well, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.” This “Person-to-Person transmission occurs in both community and healthcare settings, where the virus may be spread by exposure to infected rodents, or contaminated medical equipment such as re-used needles. Sexual transmission of Lassa virus has been also reported.”
What Are Its Signs and Symptoms
According to WHO, “The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from six to 21 days before an acute illness with multi-organ involvement can develop. The onset of the disease, when it is symptomatic, is usually gradual, starting with fever, general weakness, and malaise. After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow.
“In severe cases facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract which include Nausea, Vomiting (bloody), Diarrhea (bloody), stomach ache, constipation, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), hepatitis. Others are cardiovascular system which includes pericarditis, hypertension and tachycardic (abnormally high heartnrate). It also includes Respiratory tract which manifests in cough, chest pain, dysphoea, phyryngitis, and pleufitis. Within the same period, low blood pressure may develop. Low protein may also be noted in the urine.
Another is the Nervous system, which includes Encephalitis, meningitis, unilateral or bilateral hearing deficit shocks, seizures, tremor, disorientation, and coma. This may be seen in the later stages. Deafness occurs in 25 per cent of patients who survive the disease. In half of these cases, hearing returns partially after 1 to 3 months. Transient hair loss and gait disturbance may occur during recovery.
“Death usually occurs within 14 days of onset in fatal cases. Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus from exposure to urine or faeces of infected Mastomy rats. Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever.”
Research shows that there is no epidemiological evidence supporting airborne spread between humans. It also reveals patients infected have shown some symptoms similar to those of malaria.
WHO admits that the overall case fatality rate stands at 1 per cent. It insists that the observed case-fatality rate among patients hospitalized with severe cases is 15 per cent, and argues that early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves chances of survival.
Major challenges
Emerging and re-emerging epidemic diseases such as this pose an on-going threat to global health security. The major challenges are the on-going security risks in the country, limiting access to some areas as well as the jeopardizing availability of resources to respond to the escalating outbreak.
WHO does not advise or recommend any restrictions on travel to Nigeria, and it is expected that no state government should. Travelers returning from affected areas who develop the symptoms of fever should seek medical advice. That is the right way to go to check the spread.
Prevention
The government, its partners and other stakeholders should ensure that they work tirelessly to address the outbreak and bring it to timely end.
It is already established that those at greatest risk are persons living in rural areas and slums where mastomys are found. There is no injection or vaccine to prevent Lassa fever, but the Federal Government has already distributed drugs to states to help curb the spread and impact of the disease. Therefore, we must prevent its spread by non-contact with rats. We must ensure that we avoid the faeces and urine of animals accessing grain stores in residences or market places where grains are stored. Given its high incidence rate, Lassa fever is a major problem in affected countries. Avoid exposure to infectious materials.
It is important to advise that we maintain an effective personal hygiene by ensuring that gloves, masks, laboratory coats and goggles worn while in contact with an infected person. The various Departments of Public Health personnel must ensure that there is proper monitoring and sensitization campaign programme, so as to effectively control the outbreak of this deadly disease.
All borders of states in Nigeria should activate their surveillance mechanisms, so that anybody with fever, severe headache, swallows and breathing difficulty should be treated with dispatch. And in all cases, Nigerians are encouraged to access recommended drugs for early treatment, if symptoms are noticed. At this time in Nigeria’s history, Lassa fever should not be an issue of national concern. Nigeria is supposed to have outgrown this pandemic by now!
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja, swore in the sixth substantive chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).
At the ceremony held at the State House Council Chamber, President Tinubu urged the new INEC Chairman to serve with integrity and beyond reproach.
“Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.
“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” he added.
President Tinubu stated that the governorship election on November 8, 2025, in Anambra State will serve as a litmus test for the new leadership of the electoral commission.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.
“To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible.
“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback.
“I therefore charge you, Prof Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.
The swearing-in ceremony follows the Senate’s confirmation of the INEC Chairman’s nomination on October 16.
Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ran from 2015 to 2025.
The 58-year-old academic outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission at the screening.
The new INEC Chairman will assume office immediately.
The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to take urgent and decisive measures to curb the growing trend of arbitrary rent increases across the country.
The House, which described incessant rent increment as exploitative and detrimental to citizens’ welfare, took the resolution following the adoption of a motion on notice at Thursday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River State, Bassey Akiba.
Recall that in May 2024, the House passed a similar resolution sponsored by Emmanuel Udo (PDP, Akwa Ibom), calling for rent control and landlords’ regulation within the Federal Capital Territory.
Udo’s motion advocated monthly rent payments and directed the House Committee on the FCT to propose measures to address excessive, reckless increments in rent by landlords.
Across the country, there are reports of a hike in rents, particularly in areas witnessing new government infrastructural projects such as roads and markets.
In the FCT, rents in some neighbourhoods have jumped from ?800,000 to ?2.5 million annually, for a two-bedroom flat; a development that has plunged many Nigerians into economic distress.
Akiba, while drumming support for the bill, argued that “The rise in the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for families and businesses to meet rental obligations,” warning that “Unregulated rent increments threaten stability in the housing sector.”
While acknowledging landlords’ rights, he noted that tenants’ welfare must be equally protected to ensure fairness and economic balance.
Referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmaker reminded his colleagues that the welfare and security of citizens constitute the primary responsibility of government.
He also cited the United Nations Habitat Agenda, which emphasises access to adequate and affordable housing as a basic human right.
Lawmakers present at the plenary voted in support of the motion when it was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session.
Consequently, the House urged the Federal Government to “Intensify efforts toward providing affordable housing schemes to ease pressure on the rental market and expand access to low-cost homes.”
It also directed the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to “Collaborate with state governments in implementing effective rent control policies, ensuring that public infrastructure development does not trigger unjustified rent escalations.”
The House also recommended that any rent review should not exceed 20 per cent of the existing rate, regardless of improvements in facilities.
Furthermore, the House mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to ensure compliance and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.
The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the country’s electoral system, declaring his appointment as a “divine” call to serve the nation.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration by the President at the State House yesterday, Amupitan declared that his mission was clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections while deepening democratic values across the nation.
During his first official meeting with the commission’s directors, he stressed that achieving INEC’s mandate would hinge on teamwork, discipline, and integrity within the institution.
“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team,” he stated.
Addressing INEC staff and directors, the don pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“As we mark the beginning of the new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he said.
Turning his attention to the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, the INEC chairman described it as a defining moment for the commission.
“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he declared.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.
“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Because that is a constitutional task. And let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count,” Amupitan added.
The don also made staff welfare a central part of his agenda, acknowledging that the commission’s workforce plays a vital role in ensuring credible elections.
“For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.
“We’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” the INEC chairman assured.
The chairman, accompanied by his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, expressed gratitude to his academic colleagues who celebrated his appointment.
“I was told that the whole university got shut down out of excitement. One of theirs is now given this very heckling and important responsibility of heading this commission at this time,” he said.
Despite the weight of his new responsibilities, he said he was ready for the challenge.
“The places I’ve gone to, including some national commissioners, they were saying, I don’t envy you. But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections,” the don said.
He concluded his remarks on a reflective note, describing his appointment as part of a divine plan.
“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine.
“If God says go, who are you to say I’m not going? I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is born. And of course, you know, INEC has a very, very important role to play in this quest.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.